 NASA picture of Pukarua Atoll | |
  Pukarua | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 18°19′S 137°01′W / 18.317°S 137.017°W |
| Archipelago | Tuamotus |
| Area | 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi) (lagoon) 7 km2 (3 sq mi) (above water) |
| Length | 17 km (10.6 mi) |
| Width | 4.5 km (2.8 mi) |
| Administration | |
France | |
| Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
| Administrative subdivision | Tuamotus |
| Commune | Reao |
| Largest settlement | Marautagaroa |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 227[1] (2012) |
Pukarua, sometimes also listed as "Pukaruha" (especially on French maps), is a coral atoll in the eastern Tuamotu Archipelago. The nearest atoll, Reao, is located 48 km east-southest of Pukarua.
Pukarua Atoll is 17 km long and its maximum width is 4.5 km. It has a long island on its northeastern reef, shaped somewhat like a fish hook, as well as a number of small islands. The atoll is surrounded by a coral reef without a proper passage. There is a pier from which small to medium-sized ships can be launched. The only village is Marautagaroa, populated by about 100 inhabitants.
The atoll's lagoon is interesting for snorkelers because of the presence of giant clams.
- ^ "Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Retrieved 15 October 2014.